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Maintenance Calendar 2026

Stay Warm:
Winter Checklist

Keep your home cozy and protected during the coldest months. Our expert 2026 checklist covers heating efficiency, ice dam prevention, frozen pipe protection, and essential winter safety measures.

Cozy home covered in winter snow
18+ Points
Winter Protection 2026

Heating & Energy

Filter Maintenance

During heavy heating use, furnace filters clog faster. Monthly checks are essential for efficiency and air quality.

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Monthly Rule
Check filters every 30 days during winter. A clogged filter makes your furnace work 15% harder. Set a calendar reminder for the 1st of each month.
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Thermostat Strategy

Optimize your heating schedule to balance comfort with energy savings during the coldest months of the year.

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Temperature Tips
Keep at 68°F when home, 62°F when sleeping or away. Avoid drastic adjustments—your furnace is more efficient with steady temperatures.
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Draft Detection

Cold drafts waste energy and make rooms uncomfortable. Identify and seal air leaks to keep warm air inside.

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The Candle Test
Hold a lit candle near windows and doors—flickering indicates drafts. Use rope caulk or draft snakes for temporary winter fixes.
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Fireplace Use

Enjoy your fireplace safely while maintaining heating efficiency. Proper usage prevents heat loss and fire hazards.

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Safe Burning
Close the damper when not in use—an open damper is like leaving a window open. Burn only seasoned hardwood and clean ash when it reaches 1 inch.
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Ceiling Fan Direction

Ceiling fans can help circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling, improving heating efficiency in your home.

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Clockwise Rotation
Set fans to rotate clockwise at low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling without creating a cooling breeze effect.
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Indoor Humidity

Winter air is dry. Proper humidity levels make your home feel warmer and protect wood floors and furniture.

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Ideal Range
Maintain 30-40% humidity in winter. Too low causes dry skin and static; too high causes window condensation and potential mold growth.
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Ice & Water Protection

Ice Dam Prevention

Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof, melting snow that refreezes at the eaves, potentially causing leaks.

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Warning Signs
Look for icicles at the eaves—they indicate ice dams. Improve attic insulation and ventilation. Use a roof rake to remove snow after heavy storms.
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Frozen Pipe Prevention

Pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, and garages are at high risk of freezing during extreme cold snaps.

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Cold Night Protocol
When temps drop below 20°F, open cabinet doors under sinks and let faucets drip slowly. Keep garage doors closed if pipes are present.
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Gutter Ice Buildup

Ice-filled gutters are heavy and can pull away from the house, causing expensive damage to fascia and roofing.

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Safe Removal
Never chip ice from gutters—you'll damage them. Use calcium chloride ice melt in a stocking placed on the ice dam. Heat cables are a permanent solution.
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Water Heater Demand

Your water heater works harder in winter when incoming water is colder. Monitor performance and efficiency closely.

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Efficiency Tips
Set temperature to 120°F—higher wastes energy. Insulate the tank with a blanket if in an unheated space. Drain sediment if you haven't recently.
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Basement Moisture

Winter thaws can cause sudden water intrusion. Monitor your basement during temperature swings for signs of moisture.

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Thaw Watch
Check basement after rapid warm-ups when snow melts quickly. Ensure sump pump is working and discharge line isn't frozen. Keep a dehumidifier ready.
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Roof Snow Load

Heavy snow accumulation can stress roof structures. Know when to remove excess snow to prevent damage.

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Weight Limits
Most roofs handle 20-25 lbs per square foot. Fresh snow is lighter; wet/packed snow is heavier. Use a roof rake from the ground—never climb on an icy roof.
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Safety & Preparedness

CO Detector Alert

Carbon monoxide risk is highest in winter when heating systems run constantly and windows stay closed.

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Life-Saving Device
Test CO detectors monthly during heating season. Install one on every level and near sleeping areas. Know the symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea.
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Generator Safety

Winter storms often cause power outages. If you use a generator, follow critical safety rules to prevent tragedy.

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Critical Rules
NEVER run indoors or in garage—even with doors open. Place 20+ feet from windows. Let it cool before refueling. Deaths occur every winter from misuse.
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Space Heater Safety

Space heaters cause thousands of fires annually. Follow safety guidelines if you use supplemental heating.

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3-Foot Rule
Keep 3 feet clearance from anything flammable. Plug directly into wall outlets—never extension cords. Turn off when leaving room or sleeping.
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Power Outage Kit

Winter power outages can last for days. Have essential supplies ready to keep your family safe and comfortable.

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Kit Essentials
Stock flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, and non-perishable food. Keep cell phones charged. Know how to manually open garage door.
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Safe Snow Removal

Shoveling snow is strenuous and causes heart attacks every year. Use proper technique and know your limits.

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Health First
Warm up first and take frequent breaks. Push snow instead of lifting. Stay hydrated. If you have heart conditions, hire someone or use a snowblower.
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Walkway Ice Control

Slips and falls on icy walkways cause serious injuries. Maintain safe pathways throughout the winter season.

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Ice Melt Tips
Apply ice melt before snow falls when possible. Use pet-safe products if needed. Sand or kitty litter provides traction when salt won't work.
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Pro Insight

Is Your Home Losing Heat?

Up to 40% of a home's heat can escape through poor insulation and air leaks, driving up heating bills and leaving rooms uncomfortable. A professional inspection can identify hidden heat loss with thermal imaging and recommend cost-effective solutions before summer arrives.

Schedule Your Inspection